The Orthodox Times and several other media outlets covered a recent speech in which Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the president of Turkey, once again celebrated the Hagia Sophia’s conversion into a mosque. The Turkish courts issued a ruling in July 2020 that effectively turned the Hagia Sophia from an interfaith museum into a mosque. Many saw…… Continue reading Erdoğan Celebrates the “Second Fall” of the Hagia Sophia
Photo by Dan Rosenstein via Unsplash In the West Bank city of Hebron, Jews and Muslims share an ancient shrine known to Jews as the Cave of the Patriarchs and to Muslims as the Ibrahimi Mosque. Abraham (or Ibrahim in Arabic) is believed to be buried at this sacred site. So too are Sarah, Isaac,…… Continue reading The Hope in Shared Spaces of Prayer
What is “whataboutism”? Oxford Dictionaries defines it as: The technique or practice of responding to an accusation or difficult question by making a counter-accusation or raising a different issue. An example of this Soviet propaganda technique is when a headline that reads “The Hagia Sophia should remain a museum” is met with the comment, “What…… Continue reading Hagia Sophia and “Whataboutism”
The following short collection lists eight of the most important monuments in the world in terms of interfaith dialogue and interfaith relations. By the term “monument” I refer to a building or structure created to commemorate a person, event, or social bond which has significance in regards to improving relations between the Abrahamic faiths. The eight monuments documented here…… Continue reading The 8 Most Important Interfaith Monuments in the World
News of the beautiful and awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia, or “Holy Wisdom,” turning into an active mosque is a tricky situation for political and cultural reasons, as Religion News Services reports (via Huffington Post). Christians and other minorities may see the Hagia Sophia’s conversion into a mosque as a challenge to Turkey’s secular-republican origin, whereas Muslims…… Continue reading Turning Hagia Sophia into a mosque, a church, or both?
I visited the Hagia Sophia at the end of 2011. It is the most magnificent building I have ever seen. A truly inspiring and breathtaking experience.
I visited Istanbul, Turkey, over 1 year ago, but I’m just now adding them to the blog. Istanbul is a remarkable city with tons of history and culture. I made it to all the key historic spots including the Hagia Sophia (my favorite), all the main mosques, Topkapi Palace, and managed to catch a ferry…… Continue reading Pictures of visit to Istanbul
Hagia Sophia was perhaps the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen in person. This mosaic of Jesus was one of my favourite parts of the trip.
craigconsidinetcd.com 